Rolls-Royce shares: should I buy?

I think Rolls-Royce shares are a buying opportunity. I reckon there are parts of the business that are overlooked.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) shares have had a lot of attention lately, but the stock has been falling. So if it has taken a hit, is now a buying opportunity? I think so and I’d buy Rolls-Royce shares in my portfolio. 

Civil Aerospace

I can’t deny that Roll-Royce’s main business, the Civil Aerospace division has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic. I think what makes it worse is that revenue from this business accounts for over 50% of the company’s total earnings.

But what does the Civil Aerospace division do? In a nutshell, it manufactures and services engines for the airline industry. So it’s no surprise that it has been hit by the pandemic. Global restrictions have meant little travel travel, thereby having a knock-on effect on the need for Rolls-Royce’s services.

Now that there’s a mass vaccination programme under way, I expect air travel to start recovering slowly. I reckon there’s pent-up demand for people to holiday abroad. This in turn should start having a positive impact on Rolls-Royce shares.

In its December trading update, Rolls-Royce reported that the Civil Aerospace business is gradually recovering. The number of large engine flying hours at the time was 42% of 2019’s level.

While no one can predict the shape and timing of the recovery in air traffic, Rolls-Royce expects travel to pick up in the second half of 2021. By this time, I’d expect vaccines to have been rolled out a significant portion of the UK and global population

Liquidity

During the coronavirus crisis, Rolls-Royce improved its liquidity position. It raised money from a rights issue, and secured additional loans, as well as drawing on its existing cash reserves.

Rolls-Royce took further measures by implementing cost-cutting measures and disposing of certain assets. To me, these steps have not only made the firm leaner but have also strengthened the balance sheet.

According to its latest update, Rolls-Royce has access to £9bn in liquidity. It forecasts £2bn in cash outflow for 2021. For now, I reckon it can weather the storm and I’d buy the shares.

Risks

I think the biggest risk right now facing Rolls-Royce share is that no one knows how long this pandemic and restrictions will persist for. If this crisis drags on, this may place a strain on the business and liquidity reserves.

Furthermore, if air travel doesn’t pick up in the second half of 2021 then Rolls-Royce may have to raise further capital. Another round of financing may not be well received by investors and could impact the share price.

Defence business

Clearly, I don’t think all is lost with Roll-Royce shares. I believe investors have become fixated on the company’s Civil Aerospace business and have forgotten that it has other divisions as well. In fact, I’d like to highlight its Defence business, which accounts for 20% of earnings.

What I like about Rolls-Royce shares is that the defence business throughout the pandemic has been resilient. The company has defence contracts with the UK and US governments. It also has a strong order book and 2021 forecast sales are well covered.

For now, I’m happy with the stable revenue visibility from this division. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Nadia Yaqub has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

3 ideas to help investors aim for a million-pound Stocks & Shares ISA

The UK has a growing number of Stocks and Shares ISA millionaires, and this plan may be one of the…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

2 red-hot UK growth stocks to consider buying in April

These two growth stocks are performing well, but can they continue to deliver for investors through 2024 and beyond?

Read more »

Charticle

Is JD Sports Fashion one of the FTSE 100’s best value stocks? Here’s what the charts say!

The JD Sports Fashion share price remains a wild ride during the first quarter. Could it be one of the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Could the JD Sports Fashion share price double in the next five years?

The JD Sports Fashion share price has nearly halved in the past five years. Our writer thinks a proven business…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

If interest rate cuts are coming, I think these UK growth stocks could soar!

Falling interest could be great news for UK growth stocks, especially those that have been under the cosh recently. Paul…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are these the best stocks to buy on the FTSE right now?

With the UK stock market on the way to hitting new highs, this Fool is considering which are the best…

Read more »

Petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet inside oil and gas refinery plant
Investing Articles

Can the Centrica dividend keep on growing?

Christopher Ruane considers some positive factors that might see continued growth in the Centrica dividend -- as well as some…

Read more »

Smiling family of four enjoying breakfast at sunrise while camping
Investing Articles

How I’d turn my £12,000 of savings into passive income of £1,275 a month

This Fool is considering a strategy that he believes can help him achieve a stable passive income stream with a…

Read more »